Free All Angels
by Ash
Metascore
76

Generally favorable reviews - based on 11 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 9 out of 11
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 11
  3. Negative: 0 out of 11
  1. Entertainment Weekly
    83
    Ash have returned to the clean, uncomplicated sound of their mid-'90s debut. [2 Aug 2002, p.74]
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  2. Launch.com
    80
    It strikes a balance between the buzzy pop of their first album and the heavier thud of their second.
  3. Blender
    80
    A further step forward. [Jun/Jul 2002, p.102]
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  5. Alternative Press
    80
    Free All Angels is punchy guitar pop in extremis, sliding so breathlessly from anthemic chorus to soaring hook that it's hard to believe any band could actually want to have this much fun and sound this important. [Aug 2002, p.69]
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  6. Splendid
    80
    A modern-rock radio record for folks with a few more brain cells to rub together than the Andrew WK set.
  7. AllMusic
    80
    At times, John Barry conducting the Buzzcocks; at others, EMF covering Petula Clark.
  8. Stylus Magazine
    77
    For the first time since their full-length debut album 1977, Ash have achieved synergy between their sweet-as-milkshake pop and the full-on heavy metal and punk that inspired Hamilton and Wheeler to pick up guitars in the first place.
  9. Pitchfork
    73
    It's a damn good pop album, with a little muscle behind its melodies to boot.
  10. Austin Chronicle
    67
    Free All Angels is awfully consistent in its ardent desire to make your ears ring.
  11. PopMatters
    60
    Fact is, a good song's a good song, no matter how derivative it is, and Free All Angels is loaded with them.
  12. Rolling Stone
    60
    Half of Free All Angels sinks under sluggish ballad tempos, sour strings and, in "Submission," unnecessary electronica. But the half that doesn't, such as "Walking Barefoot," is solid chain-saw fun, some of the best '77 you'll hear in 2002.

Awards & Rankings

94
#94 Best Album of 2002
94
#94 Most Shared Album of 2002

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
8.0

Generally favorable reviews- based on 10 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 9 out of 10
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 10
  3. Negative: 1 out of 10
  1. Ricko
    Sep 14, 2017
    9
    Spawning a massive 6 singles this is one of the catchiest collection of punk pop songs that you will come across from the 00's. It realltSpawning a massive 6 singles this is one of the catchiest collection of punk pop songs that you will come across from the 00's. It reallt could almost be considered a singles collection and the sheer number of classic hits here make up for the few weak tracks present. "Burn Baby Burn", "Walking Barefoot", "Sometimes" and "Shining Light" still sound fresh and vibrant 15+ years on. Despite my love for "Free All Angels", I'd argue that it is perhaps 2 tracks too long (for me "Someday" and "Submission" are b-side quality just given serious production) but close to being the perfect summer pop record with an edge. Even Brian Wilson would have been proud of this one.… Full Review »
  2. tim
    Jan 30, 2007
    9
    their best album yet
  3. matta
    Jul 19, 2005
    9
    Catchy and engaging. Plus, gotta love the dvd that comes with it. The video for Candy just makes that classic even better.
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